What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Cervical Squamous Metaplasia
• Squamous Metaplasia of Cervix

What is Squamous Metaplasia of Uterine Cervix? (Definition/Background Information)

• Squamous Metaplasia of Uterine Cervix is a common, benign condition, wherein the glandular epithelium of cervix changes into squamous epithelium of cervix. It is a physiological condition
• A metaplasia is defined as the change of one type of epithelium to another type of epithelium. Squamous Metaplasia of Uterine Cervix is a benign condition and there is no risk for a malignant transformation
• However, the transformation zone of metaplastic change (within the cervix) is very vulnerable to human papilloma virus infection, which is a sexually-transmitted disease. HPV infection is a potential ‘early precursor event’ to the development of cervical cancer, if left untreated or ignored
• There are no causative factors associated with Squamous Metaplasia of Uterine Cervix. But, the condition is believed to be associated with the hormonal changes that occur during puberty in young girls
• There are also no significant signs and symptoms or complications associated with Squamous Metaplasia of Cervix. In most cases, there is no reason to perform a biopsy unless the healthcare provider detects other abnormalities such as HPV-associated changes
• The prognosis of Squamous Metaplasia of Uterine Cervix with suitable treatment is typically excellent

Who gets Squamous Metaplasia of Uterine Cervix? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Squamous Metaplasia of Uterine Cervix is a common condition affecting girls and women. Some reports indicate that over 50% of women may have the condition
• No racial or ethnic group predilection is observed

What are the Risk Factors for Squamous Metaplasia of Uterine Cervix? (Predisposing Factors)

• Currently, no specific risk factors have been identified for Squamous Metaplasia of Uterine Cervix
• Puberty causing hormonal imbalance is thought to induce the transformation (metaplasia)

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Squamous Metaplasia of Uterine Cervix? (Etiology)

The exact cause of Squamous Metaplasia of Uterine Cervix is currently unknown.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Squamous Metaplasia of Uterine Cervix?

No significant signs and symptoms are associated with Squamous Metaplasia of Uterine Cervix.

How is Squamous Metaplasia of Uterine Cervix Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Squamous Metaplasia of Uterine Cervix may involve the following tests and procedures:

• A detailed medical history evaluation followed by a physical and pelvic exam is undertaken
• Pap smear: It may be ordered as a screening procedure. An abnormal test result warrants further testing
  • On a Pap smear, the immature squamous metaplasia may show immature cells which appear benign
  • Whereas, in atypical squamous metaplasia, the cells on the Pap smear appear abnormal. This often results in a cervical biopsy
• Colposcopy: The cervix is examined with an instrument, called a colposcope. This helps the physician get a magnified view of the cervix
• Cervical biopsy: Usually, there is no requirement for a biopsy. However, in case the healthcare expert suspects any abnormalities (such as atypical squamous metaplasia), then a biopsy may be ordered

The condition may be classified by pathologists as mature, immature, or atypical, based on the cell appearance under a microscope.

• Mature squamous metaplasia: It is a condition where the squamous epithelium is well-formed and mature
• Immature squamous metaplasia: It is a condition where the change from glandular epithelium to squamous epithelium is actively occurring. The squamous epithelium shows immature features, which means that there is a combination of glandular features and squamous features within the cells
• Atypical squamous metaplasia: In this condition, the squamous epithelium shows atypical features such as abnormal nucleus and mitotic activity. This usually occurs due to superimposed HPV infection. Atypical squamous metaplasia could potentially be a premalignant stage to squamous cell carcinoma of cervix

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Squamous Metaplasia of Uterine Cervix?

There are no complications associated with Squamous Metaplasia of Uterine Cervix. Nevertheless, the following may be observed:

• During the epithelium replacement (metaplasia), the zone of transformation is more vulnerable to infection by HPV (a very early step in the process towards cervical cancer development)
• At the junction of transformation, immature squamous metaplasia cells have been reported, which researchers believe makes an individual potentially more vulnerable to HPV infections (high-risk HPV infections)
• Presence of atypical squamous metaplasia, which may potentially indicate a premalignant state

How is Squamous Metaplasia of Uterine Cervix Treated?

No specific treatment is necessary for Squamous Metaplasia of Uterine Cervix, since the condition is not associated with any signs and symptoms, unless any abnormalities are noted.

How can Squamous Metaplasia of Uterine Cervix be Prevented?

• Currently, there are no definitive methods available to prevent Squamous Metaplasia of Uterine Cervix
• But, since there is a higher risk for HPV infection, one should consider the use of measures to prevent sexually-transmitted infections, such as usage of condoms, and avoidance of multiple sexual partners

What is the Prognosis of Squamous Metaplasia of Uterine Cervix? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• Squamous Metaplasia of Uterine Cervix is a common physiological condition that has an excellent prognosis. There is no risk for premalignancy or a malignant transformation
• However, if atypical squamous metaplasia is noted, then it may result in cervical squamous cell carcinoma due to human papilloma virus infection (HPV infection)

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Squamous Metaplasia of Uterine Cervix:

A vast majority of cancers arising from the cervix (almost 70 %) are squamous cell carcinomas. The second most common type is adenocarcinoma.